Apple has shared the official compatibility list for Apple Watch models that support watchOS 26 software update.
Apple Watch Models that Support watchOS 11 are Compatible with the New watchOS 26 Update
When it comes to software support, Apple is absolutely legendary. With watchOS 26 announced for Apple Watch, you might be wondering which devices are compatible.
According to Apple, the watchOS 26 software update is compatible with the following devices:
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch SE 2
Long story short, if your device can run watchOS 11, it will run watchOS 26 just fine. But do keep in mind that some features will remain exclusive to newer models, which is understandable.
If you are thinking about upgrading to a newer Apple Watch model just to get all the features, do know this: Apple is going to release watchOS 26 at the end of the year. What I mean is, Apple is also going to announce new Apple Watch models after watchOS 26 final version becomes available for download.
I will highly recommend waiting and seeing what Apple announces at the end of this year. There is a chance Apple may announce a model with a feature so amazing that you might end up regretting not having it.
If you think Apple has repackaged an older Apple Watch model, then you can grab an older model like the Series 9 at a huge discount on places like Amazon.
However, if your Apple Watch usage doesn’t extend beyond checking notifications and sending a couple of text messages, then there’s no point in upgrading at all. The recently announced changes in watchOS 26 UI will be available to older models anyway.
Planning to test out the watchOS 26 beta? Then you definitely need a compatible Apple Watch and an iPhone that can run iOS 26 beta. Failure to meet the criteria on either end means you can’t test out the developer or public beta.
Interested in testing out the developer beta? Check out this link.
